Published by DC Comics. Written by Geoff Johns. Pencils by Ivan Reis. Inks by Oclair Albert.
The Deal: It’s the first issue of DC’s long-awaited, Green Lantern-centric, mega crossover Blackest Night. And when I say “long-awaited,” I mean “long-awaited.” Writer Geoff Johns has been setting up this story — which introduces a new group of “Black” Lanterns and raises a ton of dead characters from the dead — for years. And now the tale, in the form of an eight-issue limited series, is finally here.
The Good: Say what you want about Johns, but it’s evident when reading this first issue that he knows how to craft a big story. Several other recent mega comic yarns have made the mistake of starting things out in a sedate way. But Johns sets the story up and then gets to the action. I’ve been so underwhelmed by other “event” comics over the last few years that I was pretty much thinking nothing would happen in this issue aside from a lot of talk. Lucky for us readers, Johns decided not to tease us and delivered a number of shocking developments out the gate. Thanks Johns. On the art-side of things, Ivan Reis brings the goods as well with a style that seems to blend the best parts of Carlos Pacheo with the best parts of Rags Morales.
The Bad: There were a few strange story points that seemed to contradict continuity a bit, but anything I say will spoil the story … so I’ll keep it to myself this week.
The Verdict: This is what Secret Invasion and Final Crisis should have been. Yeah, I said it! Buy Blackest Night.
This article appears in Jul 14-21, 2009.
This issue was exactly what the kick-off to a big event should be. Yes, it was even more enjoyable wearing my complimentary Black Lantern ring. I agree with your assessment of Final Crisis. I don’t blame Johns for the continuity issues. He’s just cleaning up the mess that Final Crisis left. I’m just glad we’re not seeing Black Lantern New Gods. (Sorry to Morrison and so many other writers addicted to the waste of space called the New Gods. Let them be gone forever! Yes, Jack Kirby was brilliant, but even he was capable of creating crap now and then.) I’ll happily just pretend that Final Crisis was erased by a punch from Superboy-Prime and enjoy the excellence of Blackest Night!